Step back in time at the Franciscan Monastery (Františkánský klášter), one of the oldest standing buildings in Plzeň, Czech Republic. Located near the Main Square, this remarkable complex dates back to around the city's 1295 foundation by King Wenceslaus II. Despite surviving the turbulent Hussite era and the Thirty Years' War, the monastery has preserved its original early Gothic essence.
Inside, you can discover the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, featuring a triple nave with groin vaulting, monumental Gothic arcades, late Gothic windows, and a 1698 Baroque main altar boasting a 1420 Gothic Franciscan Madonna and a copy of a Peter Paul Rubens painting. Wander through the cross-vaulted cloister around its central garden to view late Gothic frescoes, a 1543 pulpit, and a small scriptorium. Do not miss the square chapterhouse—built with a stunning 1460 stellar vault—and the adjoining Chapel of St.
Barbara, which showcases late Gothic wall and vault scenes depicting the saint's life. Today, the complex also houses the Museum of Christian Art of the Plzeň Diocese, making it a rich cultural stop for history and art lovers alike.
What to see at Franciscan Monastery
- Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with a 1698 Baroque main altar
- Cross-vaulted cloister with late Gothic frescoes and a 1543 pulpit
- 1460 stellar-vaulted Chapterhouse and Chapel of St. Barbara with historical wall scenes
- Museum of Christian Art of the Plzeň Diocese housed within the complex
Visiting tips
Look closely at the church chancel's corbels to spot intricate plant and animal motif decorations.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Franciscan Monastery is easy to reach on Plzeň’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cathedral of St. Bartholomew and Great Synagogue. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Plzeň travel guide.
See the full Plzeň travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.